Innovation theories applied to the outdoor sports sector: Panorama and perspectives

Abstract

Due to the diversification of its ever-changing markets, the socio-economic sector of outdoor sports constitutes a unique vantage point from which to observe intensive innovative situations. The goal of this article is to provide a multidisciplinary overview at the crossroads between sociology and management science, and to conduct a cross-sector literature review with the aim of answering the following question: How do researchers interested in outdoor sports address the topic of innovation? Model application, concept deployment, theory borrowing and, where necessary, theory refinement constitute the central theme of this contribution. After defining the accepted meanings of innovation and highlighting the influence of classic innovation paradigms, the authors will demonstrate that the case of outdoor leisure sports has provided fresh ground for two theoretical bases in particular (firstly, Lead User Theory related to Von Hippel’s theorization; secondly, socio-technical analysis related to Actor–Network Theory), giving rise to inspiring developments which have the potential to become a reference over time. Focus on their main assets, moreover, will serve as the basis for reflection on their articulation, with a view to providing a realistic and pluralistic explanation of the innovation processes at work.